This webinar will discuss the process of stigmatization and explore the experiences and influence of stigma associated with mental illness in youth, aged 13-24 years, who are currently in psychiatric outpatient treatment. Specifically, the webinar will explore the youths’ awareness of how their larger cultural context holds pejorative viewpoints towards those with mental illness, and their reported experiences of stigma within their families, school settings, and social (e.g. peer and romantic) networks. The webinar will also discuss how ‘labeling’ may influence the self-concept or developing identity of these youth and how the strategies in which these youth engage to manage a stigmatized identity may place them at risk for poor outcomes. Finally, the webinar will discuss the implications of these findings for providers in reducing experiences of stigma in the lives of these youth.
At the end of the webinar, the learner will be able to:

To understand the concept of stigmatization and how it occurs

To understand how youth in psychiatric treatment experience stigma across multiple domains or areas of their life

To understand the possible effects of these stigma experiences on youth

To begin to think about ways in which providers (e.g. teachers, mental health workers, guidance counselors, nurses, etc.) who work with these youth can help to reduce stigma.

About

The mission of the American School Health Association is to transform all schools into places where every student learns and thrives. The American School Health Association envisions healthy students who learn and achieve in safe and healthy environments nurtured by caring adults functioning within coordinated school and community support systems.